The band 3 Doors Down is proving once again they've not forgotten about their roots. On Sunday, bassist Todd Harrell stopped by his childhood church in Escatawpa with a special surprise, helping the church on the road to post-Katrina recovery.  

"It's a dream come true. It's a good feeling to be able to come back."     

Not only is he coming back, but 3 Doors Down guitarist Todd Harrell is also giving back to his hometown church in Escatawpa.  Harrell presented a check for $75,000 Sunday to the Escatawpa Community Church of Christ.   

"This money is getting in to people they can really relate to. The people that it hit their parents, grandparents, for generations, that has ties," Pastor Billy Graham said.   

While Harrell spends many of his days performing in front of thousands, his biggest fans perhaps are a small group who've known him since he was young.   

"He's just another one of the kids in the neighborhood to us," Graham said.   

Many years ago, Todd was like these children, singing in a Sunday morning Junior Service. He never thought he'd have the chance to repay the people who taught him so many lessons.

"These people gave us so much, you know, growing up and everything. it just feels real good to give back to them," Harrell said.   

Junior Service leader Amanda Clark sees the donation as the perfect Sunday school lesson for these children.   

"We all have gifts, whatever they are. Whether it be a smile, some lunch money, something in your lunch bag. Just to be able to give of yourself. That's what God asks us to do," Clark said.     

The band's charity, The Better Life Foundation, has raised over $300,000 in funds from ticket sales. Pastor Graham says the church plans to distribute some of the funds throughout the Escatawpa community and Jackson County. 

by Keli Rabon